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Aged Care News: New Strategy Announced for LGBTI Senior Citizens

on Wednesday, November 20, 2013

The needs of LGBTI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trasngender and Intersex) senior citizens will no longer be ignored, as the Federal Government releases its National LGBTI Ageing and Aged Care Strategy.

The Government will roll out the strategy as part of the $3.7 billion ‘Living Longer, Living Better’ aged care reform package.

 

Minister for Ageing Mark Butler said the needs for LGBTI people in aged care were growing. “We are predicting a large increase in the demand for aged care by this group and we need to be in a position to respond to their needs” he said.Initiatives will include $2.5 million to provide LGBTI sensitivity training in the aged care workforce, ensuring that the Aged Care Complaints Scheme addresses LGBTI inclusion, development of policies and organisational processes to address discrimination and prejudice against LGBTI people for government aged care providers, promoting and accessing advocacy for LGBTI people and recognising and promoting excellence in LGBTI aged care initiatives, activities and programs.

A strategy such as this has been recommended by the Productivity Commission, national LGBTI rights and health groups and aged care providers.

Paul Martin, National LGBTI Portfolio Officer from community care provider Care Connect said that the strategy would help LGBTI seniors receive the care they need.

“LGBTI seniors have been invisible, marginalised and discriminated against for most of their lives. For example an 80-year-old LGBTI senior in Queensland would have been in their 60s when homosexuality was decriminalised and in their 70s when discrimination, based on gender identity, became illegal” he said.

“This strategy provides a blueprint for the aged care sector to develop services that are aware and inclusive of this community.”

 

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